Pacers, Paul George make new contract official

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INDIANAPOLIS - The Pacers and Paul George made it official Wednesday morning, announcing a contract extension to keep the All-Star forward in Indiana for the next six years.

The 6-foot-7 George agreed to the deal Tuesday. He inked the contract Wednesday morning, then participated in a news conference with team President Larry Bird to announce the deal.

George called the decision to stay in Indiana an easy one.

Last season, the 23-year-old averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists -- all career-highs -- and led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals. He was a third team All-NBA selection, a second team all-defensive selection and was named the NBA's Most Improved Player.

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